Dear Parents, and Guardians,

We have now completed our first full week of school, and it has been wonderful to see how quickly students are settling into routines and embracing the rhythm of the year. Classrooms are alive with curiosity and energy, and even in just a short time, students are already beginning to showcase what they are learning, whether through thoughtful discussions, creative projects, or their growing confidence in new concepts. It is a joy to witness their enthusiasm and eagerness to engage.

As part of our commitment to supporting each child’s learning journey, I want to share some important information about upcoming assessments. Between 25 August and 05 September, students will take the NWEA MAP Growth test. These assessments include Mathematics, Reading, Language Usage, and Science, and will take place during regular class time.

Alongside the formative and summative assessments conducted by teachers, the MAP Growth data provides valuable insight for our teachers and coordinators as they plan and refine our curriculum. It also helps us set meaningful, individualised learning goals for each student, ensuring that every child is supported and challenged at the right level.

Parents do not need to do anything special to prepare children for these assessments. The best support you can give is to make sure your child eats well, gets a good night’s sleep, and approaches the tests with a calm mindset, reminding them to read carefully and simply try their best.

The foundation we have built in these first days gives me great confidence that we are headed toward another successful and fulfilling school year.

Best wishes,

Kru Daiju

We look forward to seeing you there!

On the second day of school, Year 7 students began the academic year with an IMYC Entry Point activity exploring the concept of Structures. They worked together in groups, using materials such as chopsticks, balloons, spaghetti noodles, and rope to design and build structures.  The tallest structure was over 180cm high! Students then debriefed, discussing how structures apply to many different aspects of life and learning, and what makes them important. This theme, or Big Idea, will weave through all subjects and classes during Unit 1. 

During Year 7 Advisory this week, students began the process of weekly goal setting, answering the questions:

• What am I looking forward to this week?

• What is one achievable goal I can set for myself this week? 

• Which of the 12 Wise Habits will help me achieve my goal? 

• What does this process look like in action?

Students in Year 7 have had a fantastic start to the school year, and are excited to dive further into learning and exploration!

Year 8 students' first IMYC Unit of Inquiry centres around the concept of Communication. Students were introduced to the unit through fun Entry Point activities. Outside, students helped a blindfolded partner navigate an obstacle course with only verbal instructions, and then only non-verbal. Indoors, groups tried some Pictionary-type challenges that required specific communication strategies. These activities were an enjoyable way to work together, reflect on communication skills, and begin Year 8 with smiles and laughter!

Kru Joe - Year 7 Advisory

Kru Blair - Year 8 Advisory 

Mark your calendars—12th February 2026 will be a blockbuster! The PYD Film Festival 2026 is back, and this year’s theme is INSIDE OUT—stories that turn perspectives, emotions, and ideas inside out for all to see.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, performer, or behind-the-scenes wizard, it’s time to gather your crew, spark your creativity, and make your masterpiece. From heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies—every genre is welcome, as long as it flips the ordinary on its head.

📽️Start Now:

• Form your team – open to all community members and beyond. (Internal: PYD students, parents, and staff || External: Other schools and mixed groups)

• Create your film – inspired by the theme: Inside Out.

• Submission Deadline: 19 January 2026

• Get ready to premiere – on 12 Feb 2026.

🎞️Submission Guidelines:

• Duration: 1–7 minutes

• Language: Silent, English, Thai, or other (with English subtitles)

• Format: MP4 or MOV

• Required: Film file, film poster, and one-pager (title, logline, team members & roles)

Create a short film that only you can tell. Be bold, be creative, and show us your Inside Out story!

Kru Vineet

We are pleased to inform you that our school has registered in the Apple Educational Pricing Programme! This means all teachers, staff, parents, and students are now eligible to purchase Apple products at a special discounted price. 

This special pricing is only available at iStudio By SPVi, iBeat By SPVi, and Ustore By SPVi, nationwide. In Chiang Mai, you can visit the following branches:

• Chiang Mai Rajabhat University Branch (first floor, 90th Anniversary Building), Tel: 065-986-3028

• Maejo University Branch (first floor, 80th Anniversary Building), Tel: 065-950-2260

Please note: When visiting the store to purchase with the educational discount, you will need to show your parent or student ID card.

For your convenience, you can also order online through:

• Line: Contact Line ID: @edustore

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UStoreCMRU 

Panyaden International School is pleased to host a One-Day Meditation Retreat with Venerable Ajahn Jiew on Saturday, 13 September 2025 at our Assembly Hall. Please see the schedule below:

• 08:30 - 08:45 Registration

• 08:45 - 09:30    Introduction and guided meditation. Noble Silence begins

• 09:30 - 10:30    Walking and sitting meditation

• 10:30 - 10:45    Break for refreshments

• 10:45 - 11:45    Walking and sitting meditation

• 11:45 - 12:15    Reflections

• 12:15 - 13:00   Lunch (vegetarian)

• 13:00 - 14:00    Walking and sitting meditation

• 14:00 - 14:15    Break for refreshments

• 14:15 - 15:30    Q&A and discussion/sharing

We would be delighted for you to join this special occasion. If you wish to participate, please kindly register using the link below by Friday, 05 September 2025, at 17:00.

https://forms.gle/Bm1WjuiMKVcMnzPeA

Venerable Ajahn Jiew is the abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon in Chiang Rai, a branch monastery in the Ajahn Chah Lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition, where he has trained for more than 25 years. He has been the Panyaden’s Spiritual Advisor since 2011.

For further information, please contact k.kwanchanok@panyaden.ac.th.